ENV 100 LAB 2
Lab Report Guide
SPRING SEMESTER
Riparian Plant Lab Report
Each student must write a 2-3 page lab report using the format shown below. Be sure to include the
heading for each section. Use complete species names and italicize them (Ex: Salix exigua, Populus
fremontii). Use 12 pt. Font, Double Spacing, and 1” margins. The report is worth 25 points (Be sure to
attach the grade sheet to the front of your report).
Your Name
Lab Section #
Date
Put Title Here (1 pt.)
Hypothesis: (include this heading) (1 pt.):
You must write your one hypothesis here, just as you wrote it in lab.
Introduction: (include this heading) (4 pts.)
Read the introductory material in the prelabs for Lab 1 and Lab 2 and your ENV100 textbook to gain a
general understanding of riparian zones (biodiversity, plant communities, ecosystem services). Then,
using your own words, write a paragraph that describes the importance of riparian zones to ecosystems
and discusses general characteristics of the riparian zones along the Truckee River. CITE ANY
REFERENCES AND INCLUDE A REFERENCES LIST WITH YOUR REPORT. A note about
plagiarism:
Plagiarism is generally defined as using the ideas, phrasing, or expressions of someone
else and representing them as your own. Sometimes this is done intentionally; other
times simply through carelessness or a misunderstanding. For example, we often think
plagiarism applies only to written or spoken material. However, it also includes statistics,
graphics, artwork, results from an experiment, and especially internet excerpts. Do not
cut/paste information into your report; do not use excerpts from another person’s report;
etc. If you have any questions about this, please talk to your TA.
Methods and Study Area: (include this heading) (3 pts.)
Brief description of the methods used for the lab and description of study area location.
Results: (include this heading) (9 pts.)
1.
ONE formal data table, created on a computer, which contains the group data collected in your lab
section. The table must have a label (Ex: Table 1) and a title (Ex. Riparian plant cover at Evans Creek,
Reno NV). You only need to include the summarized group data (totals & percent totals).
2.
ONE formal graph, showing plant cover data for the line transect you studied. The graph should have
a label (Ex. Figure 1) and a title (Ex. Riparian Plant Line Transect Data).
3.
A short paragraph describing the data in your table and your graph. Point out some of the significant
values from the table, such as high or low numbers. Don’t explain why the data are what they are. In other
words, don’t draw any conclusions.
Conclusion: (include this heading) (4 pts.)
Write a paragraph explaining whether your hypothesis was refuted or supported and why. Comment
on past and present riparian conditions for Evans Creek and other stretches of Truckee River (hint – see
prelab).
1
ENV 100 LAB 2
Lab Report Guide
SPRING SEMESTER
Title/Description:
Date:
Location:
ENV 100 Lab 2 Riparian
Plants
Species/classes: Bare ground, Litter, Grass/forb, Shrub, Tree
Field personnel:
Transect
Length:
Measurement recorded every:
Hypothesis: Based on what you have read about riparian zones, and your initial view of Evans
Creek, write a hypothesis about the condition of riparian zone in relation to plant species and
plant cover.
ex. The Evans Creek riparian zone is in __________ (poor/average/good/excellent) condition
due to ____________.
Lab Section Data
Species/Cover Class
Bare
Ground
Litter
Grass/Forb
Shrub
Tree
Total
Sample
Points
Transect 1
Transect 2
Transect 3
Transect 4
Transect 5
Transect 6
Transect 7
Transect 8
Totals
% Totals
Hint – for % totals, divide each column total (shaded cells) by the total number of sample points
for your lab section (box in bold)
2
ENV 100 LAB 2
Meter
Flag Hits
Lab Report Guide
Transect Perpendicular to Evans Creek
Invasive plants?
SPRING SEMESTER
Riparian or
Upland Shrubs?
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
10.5
11.0
11.5
12.0
12.5
13.0
13.5
14.0
14.5
15.0
15.5
16.0
16.5
17.0
17.5
18.0
18.5
19.0
19.5
20.0
20.5
21.0
3
ENV 100 LAB 2
Meter
Flag Hits
Lab Report Guide
Transect perpendicular to Evans Creek
Invasive Species?
SPRING SEMESTER
Riparian or
Upland Shrubs?
21.5
22.0
22.5
23.0
23.5
24.0
24.5
25.0
25.5
26.0
26.5
27.0
27.5
28.0
28.5
29.0
29.5
30.0
31.0
31.5
32.0
32.5
33.0
33.5
34.0
34.5
35.0
35.5
36.0
36.5
37.0
37.5
38.0
38.5
39.0
39.5
40.0
Notes: Invasive Plants? Young trees? Signs of soil erosion?
4
ENV 100 LAB 2
Lab Report Guide
SPRING SEMESTER
ENV100 GRADE SHEET – Riparian Plant Lab Report
Name (Please Print) __________________________ Date _________ Lab Section ________
SCORE
CRITERIA
Name, Lab Section, Date (1 pt.)
Title (1 pt.) An appropriate title is given.
Hypothesis (1 pt.) One stated.
Introduction (4 pts.) Describes the importance of
riparian zones and includes a brief description of riparian
zones along the Truckee River. Sources are cited in text
and reference list included.
Methods and Study Area (3 pts.) Brief description of
the methods used for the lab and description of Study
Area location.
Results (9 pts.) Neat & accurate table and graph;
description of key data in table and graph.
Conclusion (4 points) Hypothesis supported or refuted,
comparison of Evans Creek to other stretches of Truckee
River.
Grammar/punctuation (1 pt.) Few errors, if any.
Grade sheet (0.5 pt.) Attached to front of report and
References (0.5 pt.) Listed at end of report
TOTAL SCORE (out of 25 points)
Comments:
5